A 23-YEAR-OLD man has been charged in connection with the brutal death of a tiny puppy in Northern Ireland.
The man, who was arrested in Craigavon in Co. Armagh yesterday, is expected to appear in court today.
A 16-year-old male who was also arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
PSNI detective chief inspector Jon Burrows said: "The 23-year-old suspect has now been charged with an animal cruelty offence, refused bail and will appear at Craigavon Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning.
"Animal cruelty will not be tolerated and it will be professionally investigated."
Police were alerted to the incident after a horrific video appeared on Snapchat on Saturday night.
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 6, 2018
It showed the puppy, an 11-week-old known as 'Sparky', getting hit with a hammer before being put in a microwave.
The distressing footage caused outrage on social media and the two males were arrested shortly afterwards.
Last night, the PSNI in Craigavon posted this update: "Throughout the day, our investigating officers have been dealing with interviews and witnesses in relation to little Sparky's death.
"A short time ago, a 23 year old was CHARGED with Causing Unnecessary Suffering To Animals.
"He won't be going anywhere fast, as he stays with us tonight before a court appearance in the morning."
In November, a Co. Down man was handed a two-year prison sentence after he killed his dog before cooking its carcass and feeding it to other pets.
Dominic O’Connor, 28, was also sentenced to a further two years on licence for his "disgraceful and heinous offence."
See More: Animal Cruelty, Northern Ireland, PSNI
